This year, more than ever, thousands of Canadians bought snowshoes, fatbikes and other winter sports equipment. The aim? To get active and maintain mental and physical balance. But what many people don’t know is that it’s important, perhaps even more so than in summer, to stay well hydrated when practicing winter sports.
But why more in winter?
Reason no. 1: cold air
When you breathe in cold, dry air, your body warms up and humidifies the air you breathe in. The result is water loss , which increases the risk of dehydration.
Reason no. 2: Winter clothing
Moisture-absorbing clothing is perfect for outdoor training because it prevents you from feeling wet, even when you’re sweating profusely. Most people who run or cross-country ski in winter wear clothing specially designed for the season, to keep them dry. The problem? You don’t realize you’re sweating, so you can forget to drink water.
On the other hand, wearing ordinary warm clothing can also lead to because the body heats up when it’s active. And even though we sweat less in winter than in summer, we still give off moisture.
Reasonno. 3: altitude
The air tends to be colder at higher altitudes, which means more ventilation is needed to maintain the right level of oxygen in the blood. Did you know that at altitude, it ‘s harder to tell when the body is losing water?
Why is it so important to stay hydrated in winter?
There’s a direct link between hydration, thermoregulation and hypothermia. When the mercury drops and the body is dehydrated, it becomes difficult to maintain an adequate body temperature. That’s why it ‘s more important than ever to keep drinking.
That’s all well and good, but how do you moisturize properly?
Sometimes, the simple fact of being aware of the risks prevents us from forgetting to hydrate during outdoor activities. Nevertheless , here are a few practical tips to remember when it comes to bundling up and heading out into the snow:
Tip no.1: Bring your own water
The best way to remember to drink water is to carry it with you at all times. So the next time you pack your ski bag, don’t forget to add at least 750ml of fresh water!
Tip no.2: Set yourself goals
If you don’t drink water regularly, you can set a timer on your watch or phone to remind you to take a few sips every 15 minutes or so. Another easy trick is a hydration bag. This usually comes with a straw, which is easier to access than the water bottle in your pack.
Tip no.3: Dress warmly.. . but not too warmly
If you ‘re going snowshoeing in the woods or hiking off the beaten track, opt for multi-layer clothing. That way, if you feel your body temperature rising as you make your way along as you make your way along the trails, you can take off a layer or two to cool off. The aim is to maintain a comfortable body temperature and avoid overheating or sweating.
Winter sports are a healthy way to keep active and balanced during the cold season. They ‘ re numerous, fun and healthy, so don ‘t deprive yourself. There are countless ways to get active in winter: snowshoeing, fatbikes, skiing, snowboarding, skating, sliding, running, biking and more. So when the great outdoors beckons and you ‘re in the mood for a breath of fresh air , simply follow your true nature… and a well-hydrated body and mind will make the adventure all the more enjoyable!
